Combustor-to-Vane Dual Sealing With Cooling Bypass Channels

Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engines face uncontrolled leakage and hot spot formation due to inadequate sealing arrangements between the combustor and turbine sections, which can lead to bow wave distress and reduced cooling efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a dual-seal assembly system, comprising a brush seal and a hard seal, with integrated cooling channels that direct air from the exterior to the interior of the shell to maintain effective sealing and prevent hot spots, while allowing controlled leakage to bypass the brush seal and provide cooling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sealing arrangements are made to contact components throughout the range of operation, then sealing efficiency is improved, but hot spots and bow wave distress may occur due to removal of cooling leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing efficiencyVSAvoidhot spots

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system is divided into multiple independent seal assemblies (first seal assembly with brush seal and hard seal, second seal assembly with conformal seal) positioned at different locations. Each seal can function independently, allowing the system to maintain sealing effectiveness while preserving controlled leakage paths for cooling purposes, thereby preventing hot spots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different seal types are applied at different locations: brush seals and hard seals at the first seal assembly, conformal seals at the second seal assembly. This localized differentiation allows optimization of sealing performance in specific areas while maintaining overall cooling effectiveness through selective leakage paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If sealing arrangements are made to contact components throughout the range of operation, then sealing efficiency is improved, but bow wave distress may occur due to removal of cooling leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing efficiencyVSAvoidbow wave distress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system is divided into multiple independent seal assemblies (first seal assembly with brush seal and hard seal, second seal assembly with conformal seal) positioned at different locations. Each seal can function independently, allowing the system to maintain sealing effectiveness while preserving controlled leakage paths for cooling purposes, thereby preventing hot spots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different seal types are applied at different locations: brush seals and hard seals at the first seal assembly, conformal seals at the second seal assembly. This localized differentiation allows optimization of sealing performance in specific areas while maintaining overall cooling effectiveness through selective leakage paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Temperature

If cooling channels are integrated into the seal assembly, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidseal assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling channels are integrated directly into the seal assembly structure, combining the sealing function and cooling function into a single unified component. This merging eliminates the need for separate cooling systems and reduces overall system complexity despite the enhanced cooling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing to prevent uncontrolled leakage and incorporates cooling channels to actively manage thermal conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity while improving cooling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances sealing efficiency, reduces the likelihood of hot spots and bow wave distress, and maintains controlled cooling within the gas turbine engine, thereby improving operational reliability and performance.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one cooling channel includes a trench formed in the first mating surface of the first shell... directing cooling air with at least one cooling channel extending from an exterior side of the first shell to an interior side of the first shell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11619174B2Combustor to vane sealing assembly and method of forming same

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 RTX CORP

AI summary

A brush seal system includes a component including a first mating surface. The brush seal system further includes a brush seal including a brush seal backing plate, a retaining ring, and a plurality of bristles retained between the brush seal backing plate and the retaining ring. The brush seal backing plate includes a second mating surface mounted to the first mating surface. The brush seal system further includes at least one cooling channel extending from an exterior side of the component to an interior side of the component so as to bypass the brush seal.